Anchoring a Boat

If you are a new boater or are an experienced one, you must know that anchoring a boat is an important thing you have to know to do when boating. It could seem that anchoring is just throwing the anchor and let it sinks to the bottom, but it involves another things. In order to anchor a boat properly you have to consider some crucial issues. Then, we invite you here to discover some of them.

Anchoring give the boaters the possibility to park boats in the water. Before starting with other concepts and subjects related to anchoring, you have to know the importance of it. First, you can use the anchor for a simple purpose that is just stopping your boat somewhere to enjoy of some other activities such as swimming. Also, some other important reasons include that a boat anchor will be crucial in case your boat engine breaks down, this way an anchor will help to hold the boat in position until you get some help or you get it going again.

How to anchor your boat?

Before we begin mentioning the steps, when boating take in mind that some factors that affect anchoring a boat are the wind, the lake bottom and also the type of boats, among others things, so bear in mind this to anchor correctly. Consider also the following recommendations:

First, before lowering the anchor, you have to move the boat, into the position upwind of the place you want to anchor. Lower the anchor slowly and carefully and always from the bow of the boat, not from the sides or the stern, this is a basic thing you have to consider.

Once the anchor reaches the lake bottom, you have to give a tug on the line to set the anchor in the bottom. When the anchor grabs, tie it off to the bow of the boat considering the proper length.

Besides, one thing to keep in mind before anchoring the boat is making sure that it is securely fastened to the rode, and also making sure that the end of the line is fastened to the boat.

Some other tips to anchor are the following:

You must leave enough space around your boat. A well protected area with plenty of room is the ideal place to anchor your boat.

A sandy muddy bottom with an adequate depth is also a good place to anchor.

For any reason anchor close to another boat. If so there is the possibility that the anchors foul.

Lower the route carefully.

It is important you carry a map in order you know if certain areas have submarine cables.

You must steer carefully where submarine cables run.

After anchoring, you have to wait a moment to ensure that the anchoring is right

At the moment to select the kind of anchor you must consider the location of your boat.

The recommended rode length is 5 feet of rode for each 25 feet of water (during the day) and 8 feet rode for each 25 feet of water (at night).

Types of anchors

Danforth anchors. Also called fluke anchors. These anchors work well in muddy bottoms. The flukes they have help the anchor digging into the lake bottom. They are commonly used on boats with less than 30 feet.

Mushroom anchors. These anchors are especially designed for cases when it is needed to get a permanent anchor (mooring, buoys, etc).

Plow-style. For most people it is the most effective anchor. This is used especially for larger boats with more than 26 feet.

Know that you know more about anchoring a boat, then the next time you are on board try to remember the things that we mentioned here and anchor a boat safely.